The Children

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been watching a three-part drama on ITV called “The Children“. (the last part is on tonight)

What we’re both finding really odd in it is that there isn’t one likeable – or even slightly positive – character in the entire thing. And in short, we don’t actually care which one of the adults could have done the deed. It’s not that it’s badly written, (it’s been written by Lucy Gannon, who isn’t usually shit – at least initially) or even badly acted (although I’m still of the opinion that Kevin Whately is more wooden than the average tree) – although in both cases, nor is it well acted or written.

It’s just that you don’t have any sympathy with any of the characters – adults or children. And as such, the entire thing just isn’t great. We’ll watch the end, because after having watched the first two hours of it, we do kind of want to know how it all works out – but I don’t think either of us will actually care either way.

I think the sad thing is that it does have some interesting ideas – the entire piece is basically about the effects and stresses of divorce and new relationships on the children involved, particularly with them having to deal with new step-siblings, step-parents, and even new babies from the new relationships. It could have been something impressive, but for some reason it just isn’t – and currently I don’t know if it’s the writing, the acting, or the direction that has let things down.

I’d love to read the original script, and be able to see more of where things went wrong. Maybe it’ll be released some time soon.